Full Breakdown
Italy Rejects NATO Secretary General’s Claim of U.S. Combat Flights in Iran War
6/25/2026, 2:54:34 AM
Italy Rejects NATO Secretary General’s Claim of U.S. Combat Flights in Iran War
On 24 June 2026, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Fox News that 500 U.S. planes had taken off from U.S. bases in Italy to support Epic Fury, referring to the U.S.–Israel operation against Iran. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto countered that Rome authorised only technical and logistical, non-kinetic flights and rejected any combat-related use of its territory. The exchange sparked a political dispute in Rome.
Background and Context
Operation Epic Fury is Washington’s name for its joint campaign with Israel against Iran. Italy hosts about 120 U.S. installations, such as the Sigonella naval air station and Aviano air base, under bilateral treaties that allow non-kinetic support flights. Relations between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Donald Trump have been strained by recent spats over Italy’s refusal to join the campaign.
Official Statements & Responses
Crosetto said Italy acted in full compliance with its constitution, international treaties and agreements governing allied bases on its soil, and that the government limited authorisation to technical and logistical, non-kinetic activities. A NATO official noted that Rutte “highlighted how Allies including Italy carried out their existing bilateral agreements in the context of basing and overflights.” President Trump has criticised European NATO members for “not doing enough” in the war, without commenting on Italy’s bases.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leaders seized on the discrepancy. Former prime minister Giuseppe Conte demanded that Meloni explain the matter in parliament. Green and Left Alliance leader Nicola Fratoianni warned that government misled lawmakers or that Rutte’s claim was inaccurate, intensifying calls for parliamentary scrutiny.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rutte’s 500-flight figure conflicts with Italy’s claim that only non-kinetic, logistical sorties were permitted. No independent data have been released to verify the exact number or nature of flights, leaving a gap in public understanding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As already clarified in Parliament, the government authorised exclusively technical and logistical, non-kinetic activities,” — Guido Crosetto, Defence Minister
- “It is surprising that the NATO Secretary General, who has nothing to do with Operation Epic Fury, would present an account that conveys a completely misleading message by confusing the types of authorized flights,” — Italian Defence Ministry spokesperson
What’s Next
Opposition leaders have called for a briefing from the defence ministry, indicating that parliamentary scrutiny may follow. Italy has signalled it will continue to deny combat-flight requests, while NATO may seek communication on basing agreements as the Iran conflict proceeds.
